Help! Volunteer-Study Program

2014
Help! Volunteer-Study Program
VOLUNTEER STUDY PROGRAM
A unique way to learn and serve at the same time, this program was designed for those
interested in both volunteering and studying Spanish.
Do you feel like so many other language students who seem to understand everything in
the classroom but the second you come face-to-face with a native speaker suddenly
everything gets jumbled up and nothing comes out right? Don’t worry, that’s normal and
completely natural. In order to become fluent in a language one has to be immersed
completely in it – and the best way to do that is to put yourself in a situation where you are
forced to communicate. That’s why Help! has carefully designed an immersion program that
guarantees you will be speaking Spanish in just six weeks as you participate in the
community and culture of Mexico.
Program Description
Volunteer-students will teach English for 3 hours a day and study Spanish for 3 hours.
The following is an example of what the volunteer-study daily schedule is:
9:00 – 11:00 am Spanish language instruction provided by a native instructor.
11:00 – 11:15 am Break
11:15 – 12:15 pm Spanish language instruction
12:15 – 4:00 pm Break, lunch
4:00 – 7:00 pm Teaching English classes
The weekends are free so we hope you will take the time to explore the many beautiful
sites and wonders found in Central Mexico and use the language our native Mexican
professors will share with you.
Course Fees
Your course fees cover all of the “little things” that make all the
difference –

Heslington has a caring and dedicated local staff that helps you on-site.

Heslington arranges your flight (included in your course fee) and meets you at the
airport so you know you will arrive to your location safe and sound

Heslington provides nice, modern housing for the duration of your stay so you
don’t have to worry about finding a hostel, paying extra for a hotel or dorm or
stressing about where you will live for 4 months – all utilities (gas, electricity,
sewage, etc… are covered in the course fees).

Your course fees cover breakfast, lunch and dinner (Monday – Friday).

You will be enrolled in 15 hours of Spanish lessons/week.

24/7 support is available in case of emergency

WiFi is available at the school for professional and personal use

Constant observation and feedback that are important factors in helping you
become a proficient and successful teacher

A detailed Letter of Recommendation is given after successfully completing the
program
SCHOOL FACILITIES
Help! has school in Tehuacan, Puebla,
México (population 350.000)
We operate in a beautiful modern building
just a few minutes’ walk from downtown.
Classes are held in 4 large classrooms and
in the lush patio area. We have a capacity of
350 students/day. We also partner with a local
elementary school and junior high school for
teaching opportunities with younger students.
PROGRAM DATES
Semester Programs
April 23 - August 9, 2014
August 14 – December 20, 2014
January 2 - April 25, 2015
Summer Program
July 9 - August 9, 2014
FEES
As you compare the cost of our program to others you will see that in many cases Help! charges
hundreds of dollars less for the same program. Help! will save you money giving you more
money to spend on yourself during your time abroad. There are many programs that have
different fees for materials, housing, computer use, meals, extracurricular activities, medical
insurance, etc… Although the initial price may be attractive, you will actually end up paying
hundreds of dollars more. We feel that it is our responsibility to provide you with the best
service for the lowest price.
The only fee you are required to pay Help! is found in bold and the other personal costs are
estimates based on what other participants have spent during their time abroad – this gives
you the liberty to shop around for the best price and budget what you spend on personal items.
Summer Program (Six-week stay)
$1,300.00 USD to be paid to Help!
Extras: *Excursions/Weekend travel, *Souvenirs, *Gym membership or other personal costs, *Medical Insurance. Approximately
$950 USD for summer program.
Spring, Fall or Winter Semester Program
(Sixteen – week stay)
$2,500.00 to be paid to Help!
Extras: *Excursions/Weekend travel, *Souvenirs, *Gym membership or other personal costs, *Medical Insurance. Approximately
$2,000 USD for semester program.
Payment Methods:
Direct Deposit
Wire Transfer
Help! Heslington Language Programs is a legally operating language school in Mexico, but is not based
in the United States – therefore, certain payment address options do not contain the traditional company
name as is common in the United States – in Mexico most businesses are identified for tax purposes with
the owner’s complete name. In the United States, money will be transfered to a Zions Bank account in
Salt Lake City, Utah.
Application Process:
1.
Speak with a Heslington representative, read the detailed information provided by
Heslington and on the website
2.
Fill out application and send to: instituto_heslington@hotmail.com
3.
Submit a copy of your valid passport with your application.
4.
Schedule interview with Heslington Program director.
5.
Upon being accepted to a program, Help! will send you an official acceptance letter. In
order to confirm participation, you must send back your completed International
Documents Packet (make sure you include all personal information as indicated as the
main offices need this information to purchase your flight).
6.
Pay all fees as outlined in the Terms and Conditions document. Please scan a copy of the
payment receipt and email
it to instituto_heslington@hotmail.com. We require that all
participants apply and pay in full at least one month before departure
7.
8.
Help! will send you an official receipt of payment.
Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive several information packets (New
Teacher Handbook, suggested clothing list, semester calendar, teaching schedule, flight
confirmation and airport pick-up instructions). It is imperative that you read this information
carefully and relay all questions to the Heslington main office prior to departure.
9.
3 weeks before departure, Heslington will send you a copy of your flight itinerary and
detailed travel instructions.
Code of Conduct
1.
Volunteers are expected to practice all of the qualities of a good teacher – punctuality;
responsibility; determination; respect for students, partners, host families and administrators;
and trustworthiness. They should protect the good name and reputation of Help! at all times.
2.
Volunteers must maintain a student-teacher relationship. This means that teachers may
not date or have any inappropriate romantic relationships with students or host family members.
3.
Volunteers are expected to be honest, true and chaste in all aspects of their lives and
to avoid vulgarity of any kind (inappropriate language, immodest or revealing clothing, and
vulgar or offensive behavior). Teachers must also refrain from abusing alcoholic beverages,
using tobacco, or taking illegal drugs or substances during their stay in Mexico.
4.
If Volunteers choose to leave their teaching location for any reason (sightseeing,
vacation, etc…) they must inform the School Director of their plans and who will be
accompanying them – in case of emergency or if they need to be contacted.
5.
Volunteers are subject to the laws of the Mexican Republic and must obey these laws
at all times. Violations of the law will be subject to the Mexican legal system. Being disrespectful
of people, customs, food and traditions is not appropriate behavior. The Volunteer should be
sensitive of the country and its practices.
6.
Volunteers should not promote or invite the immigration of Mexican citizens to the United
States for any reason. Volunteers should not give economic help to students, host families or
other people they come in contact with.
7.
In accordance with Mexican law and the Secretary of Immigration, volunteers are not
allowed to accept employment outside of their volunteer assignment with Help!
8.
Teachers should not accept invitations to discothèques, bars, or table dance clubs that
may endanger their personal integrity.
9.
Teachers must keep the school and their living quarters clean.
10.
Teachers must dress in a professional manner while on school grounds – body piercings
and tattoos must be taken out/covered.
11.
Help! is not responsible for the costs of any health/medical problems or situations that
may arise during your stay. Help! is not legally responsible for accident, personal injuries,
damages to or loss of personal property, health issues, hospital/doctors’ fees incurred or any
other monetary remuneration.